Outside factors may help or hinder you, but ultimately your success is up to you. Every action you take has a consequence. Though there are single actions you could take that could blow you out of the water, rarely will your long-term success hinge on just one thing. There are many factors that determine whether you consistently attain your goals. How did you learn anything you know today? You learned it step by step, overtime and practiced it repeatedly.

Clear Goals Are The Bottom Line

Before you can achieve your goals, you must set them. Here is a simple, well known formula for helping you do just that. It is called “S.M.A.R.T.” goal setting. This acronym that helps you focus on a proven process for getting where you want to go. “S” stands for Specific—meaning you must set specific, clear goals rather than vague ones. For example, if you want to succeed at losing weight, you need to set a goal for a specific number of pounds to lose.

“M” stands for Measurable. You need to be able to measure your success in one or more ways. Using the weight loss example, you want to lose N number of pounds, in X amount of time, through reducing your calorie intake by Y calories per day, while doing Z exercises per week..

“A” represents Attainable. Your goal needs to be possible. This means that for who you are today, with what you know and can do, is it actually possible for you to get there? With the internal and external resources you have at your disposal right now, is this potentially attainable?

“R” equals Realistic. Setting unrealistic goals only sets you up for failure. Though you may have a Specific goal of losing 100 pounds, it’s Measurable, and it’s Attainable, to achieve this goal in three weeks before you go participate in the bikini contest in Hawaii, is just a bit unrealistic.

The “T” stands for Timely. This has three components to it. First, is this the appropriate time for you to begin working on this goal. In other words, is this goal timely. Second, you have to be certain you have a time-line laid out which you can follow. Third, you must set a deadline for completion. These three factors must all work in unison to make this a timely and effective process.

Goals are a beginning, but there is much to do besides set realistic and attainable goals. It is an undeniable truth, that you can be, do and have whatever you desire. Having what you desire requires a success mindset. You need to “be” successful internally before you ever start. You must discipline yourself to “do” what’s required, even if it isn’t always the most fun you’ve ever had. Without being and doing, it’s very unlikely you’ll “have” those things you desire. When you have a success mindset, you are much more likely to achieve what you want in life.

Being Proactive

Proactiveness is central to success. Your goals will not be achieved if you simply wait for something good to happen. Proactiveness means you have good self-leadership. You cannot rely on others to motivate you and get you to work toward fulfilling your desires. The only person you can rely on 100% of the time is you.

Success can be accelerated if you put your mind to it. You need to step up to the challenge and take calculated risks. This can be a good way to take advantage of market conditions and timeliness of the product or service you offer. To know is this is timely requires having your finger of the pulse of what’s happening in your field. Education is core to this. Learning from others who have succeeded in your industry is a great way to learn what to avoid and what you need to do.

Giving Back

Making a difference in your community is an important part of your success. Assisting others is a way for you to deepen your success. This can be done through donations, civic group participation, mentoring, etc. Your success is at least partially due to the influence that other people have had on you.

Whether you had a boss or mentor that taught you how to launch a new venture, or you received seed capital from a community organization, or there was a professor who was an inspiration, other people have influenced your success. Giving back allows you to continue the cycle. In addition, when you have to clarify what you know so well that you can teach it to someone else, you deepen your own understanding of the principles and practices as well.

Creating a Vision for Success

Creating a vision for success involves more than just setting goals and achieving them. Vision is a life plan that helps you to figure out where you have been, determine where you are, and plan where you desire to be in life.

To achieve your desired outcomes, take time to create your vision for success. Set aside time to plan out the next few years of your personal and professional life. This goal setting and vision planning will accelerate your success. Begin now—because only through planning now, can you build a great tomorrow. Go for it—NOW!

The Best of Success to You, Dr. Larry